Runabout vs Pontoon

[BoatAddiction]

Re: Runabout vs Pontoon

Boataddiction, I am planning to upgrade to a 28 or 29 foot Sea ray, but I need 5 or 6 years before that can happen.The pontoon gives me the capacity for now to have the entire family or to sleep on the water. Do you have any comments about storing a fiberglass boat in the water at the marina? The marina is uncovered, but I do have a trailer able cover on my boat.

Just my opinions: If you're planning on upgrading to the larger hulled boat in the future, the pontoon may be the economical stepping stone you need if you don't go crazy getting some fancied up model. As someone mentioned earlier, don't skimp on the HP for the pontoon but, at the same time, there is no reason to overdo it. 90 HP seems to be great for most pontoons (24 -28 ft range) unless you're wanting to win races or it is an especially heavy boat.

Any boat stored at a marina is okay as long as you address and watch out for the normal issues (corrosion, growth on hulls, bilge pumps). If planning on putting an aluminum pontoon on the water full-time, I recommend that you talk with some other folks that are already doing that and see if they're having any aluminum pitting issues (or any other issues) in that lake. A cover, with ventilation, is the way to go whether at a marina or on a trailer. All-in-all, a trailered boat will stay healthier longer.

I used to keep a boat full-time at a marina (no choice...it was too big to trailer), but have recently down-graded to a trailererable 28 footer. This has drastically decreased costs associated with slip fees and maintenance. This also gives me more options when it comes to where I will boat.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Runabout vs Pontoon

I just sold my bowrider and moved to a 25' pontoon. You just can beat the capacity of the pontoon. I can legally hold 17 people and have pulled a tube with 8 not counting the tubers. It does not go like a rocket, I can do 15 mph with a 40 hp with that load. I plan on upgrading to a 90 just for a little more top end and grunt.

I can also go places I couldn't with the BR as the pontoon only draws maybe 18" depending on the tilt of the motor. This allows us to access some secret swimming holes nobody else can get to.

it also rides smotther in lake chop because it spans more waves. it generally will cut through the wave instead of riding it.

don't get me wrong, I loved the BR and miss the speed. But having a living room on water is not such a bad thing..

 

[evilratgirl]

Re: Runabout vs Pontoon

It looks like the major aspects have been covered very nicely. I have an 18' run about and my dad has the 18' pontoon. As covered the ability to load and unload is the same. He has a 25hp Nissan which is alittle pokey, but fine for him. As far as sleeping, we see several on the St Croix river with full camping covers.

Take one out and give it a try. They are pretty flexable.

 

[pgwill]

Re: Runabout vs Pontoon

Thank you for the advice. When, or if I make a change I will let you know. I still have to sell my wife on the idea of a pontoon.